Nightlife & Music

Philadelphia Spring Comedy Preview

Philadelphians are fortunate to have many venues that feature comedians in the area. These venues offer a soup-to-nuts assortment of choices ranging from the well-known star to the local amateur. This spring, we are honored to have a few (in)famous comedians coming to the City of Brotherly Love to entertain us.

The identical twin Skylar Brothers, Randy and Jason, are known for 77 episodes of sports and comedy on ESPN’s “Cheap Seats.” They currently appear regularly in “The Bracket” on ESPN, have appeared on “Grey’s Anatomy,” HBO’s “Entourage” and on our very own “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” The brothers perform their comedy all over the country and will be stopping into Philly this April.

Steve Rannazzisi was first discovered by Ashton Kutcher. Having tweaked his comedic skills as a doorman at the Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard and by observing many well-known comedy masters at work, Steve has appeared as Skobo in ABC’s “Big Day,” a lead opposite Heather Locklear in “See Jayne Run,” as Kulik opposite Eddie Murphy in “Imagine That,” as the league commissioner in FX’s hit show “The League,” and as the leading character in “Mall Cop.”

Lily Tomlin’s 40-plus year career includes winning two Tonys, two Peabodys, six Emmys and a Grammy. The comedian, actress and TV star is best known for her role on “Laugh-in” as the nosy telephone operator Ernestine. Also well known for her role as Edith Ann and her one-woman Broadway performance in “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe,” Tomlin’s stand up will be a must-see this spring. If you can’t make it to the Glenside performance and are willing to venture out a bit, Lily will also be appearing nearby in Pittsburgh, PA on April 25, Princeton, New Jersey on April 26, and Warren, PA on April 27.

Born in Brooklyn to Russian immigrants, Joan Rivers knew she belonged on stage from an early age. Rivers has worn so many hats that it can be hard to keep track of her extensive career in show business. After appearing on the “Tonight Show” in the 60s, her career took off. She’s appeared at Carnegie Hall, has headed Vegas shows, is a wife and mother (Joan’s first marriage lasted a whole six months), has been an “Apprentice” for Donald Trump, and a “tramp” in the movie “The Swimmer.” Yet despite all of these notable accomplishments, Rivers is best known for her seemingly impossible amounts of plastic surgery procedures, thick New York accent and corresponding audacious demeanor. This can only mean her stand-up will be equally brash and just as funny. Joan will also be performing at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City on Saturday, May 19th to a sold-out crowd.

Andrew Dice Clay is making a comeback after taking time off to raise his two sons, Max and Dillon. Now married to his third wife, Valerie, Dice feels it’s time to “do something new,” hence his upcoming appearance at the Mount Airy Casino Resort. As a matter of fact, he plans to rule again. Dice’s accolades include being the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden on two consecutive nights, being banned from MTV for life and appearing on HBO’s “Entourage.” With most of his shows in the Vegas area, we are honored to have the Diceman cometh to the Poconos. If you are into lewd, shocking and perverse nursery rhymes, this is the show for you. You may hear appalling versions of Little Miss Muffit or maybe even Jack and Jill. A performance sure to be expletive-filled, this is a show only for those who can handle it. Dice can also be seen nearby in Asbury Park, New Jersey on May 20 at the Bamboozle Festival.

Joanne Apice is a full-time benefits manager with 20 years of experience in Human Resources. She earned the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation from Wharton School and the International Foundation. A lifelong learner, PA Accident and Health, Life and Fixed Annuities Licensed, she navigates the employee benefit maze daily in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.